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Clearbrook's longtime CEO the honoree at Shining Star Ball

Posted April 20, 2017 1:00 am

Clearbrook Chairman of the Board Frank ten Brink and his wife, Jeannine, of Glencoe share a laugh with Carl M. La Mell, right, at last year's Shining Star Ball. Courtesy of Clearbrook

For more than 20 years, Carl La Mell served not only as president and CEO of Clearbrook, he was the agency's biggest ambassador, promoting its quality services for persons with disabilities across the region and state.

Four months after his retirement, La Mell once again will find himself the center of attention as the honoree at Clearbrook's largest fundraiser, its Shining Star Ball.

The black tie gala will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, where more than 300 guests are expected to attend. WGN radio host Roe Conn will serve as master of ceremonies.

The gala will give supporters a chance to meet Clearbrook's new president and CEO, Tony Di Vittorio, who joined the agency last fall and worked with La Mell for a few months before taking over in January.

"Following Carl was a gift," Di Vittorio says. "His work and commitment over the years has been a big part of making Clearbrook what it is today."

The Shining Star Ball was created during La Mell's tenure. Right from its start in 1998, the gala was designed as a high-end event, capable of making a direct impact on the lives of Clearbrook's clients.

For many years, its proceeds were earmarked for the Clearbrook Clinic, which provides more than 20,000 hours of services to Clearbrook clients in the areas of occupational, physical, speech and language therapies, along with counseling, behavioral supports and psychological consultations.

"These services define Clearbrook's commitment to creating opportunities that change lives," says Gloria Drake, Clearbrook spokesperson.

Proceeds from Friday's event also will benefit Clearbrook's residential and day programs. Under La Mell's leadership, the numbers of Clearbrook clients living in group homes grew dramatically.

Arlington Heights-based Clearbrook owns 50 homes in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties, where 325 individuals receive residential care. Some of those communities include: Arlington Heights, Bensenville, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Lake Bluff, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and Wheeling.

The evening includes an opening reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction, including tickets to the hit musical "Hamilton," a Cubs skybox and a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Maui resort.

The Riley family came out in full force last year to support Clearbrook's Shining Star Ball. From left, Chris and Carla Riley of Glenview, David and Linda Riley of South Barrington, and Amy and Kevin Riley of Chicago. Courtesy of Clearbrook

Members of the 2017 Shining Star Ball Committee are, from left, Kristina Hambel of Winfield, Sonja Baichwal of Evanston, Linda Riley of South Barrington, Jan Lundal of Schaumburg, Carole Segal of Winnetka, Mary Campobasso of Glenview and Carla Riley of Glenview Courtesy of Clearbrook

If you go

What: Clearbrook's 29th annual Shining Star Ball

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 28

Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place in Chicago

Cost: $500 per person

Details: <a href="https://www.clearbrook.org/events/">www.clearbrook.org/events</a>

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